The National University System was established in 2001 to meet the emerging challenges and demands of education in the 21st century. The System is uniquely aligned to connect a diverse population of students to a network of innovative educational programs that are relevant to their lives, careers, and the marketplace and are delivered in a format that respects competing life priorities.

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Areas of Study

Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

The Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management (BS-HSEM) program provides graduates with a foundation in the security issues; practices, politics and cultures of terrorism; best practices to cope with a pending emergency; and operations during and recovery from an emergency. The program also focuses on the management aspects of disasters and emergencies. More importantly, the program focuses on developing well rounded decision makers with a background in leadership and ethics. Students will conduct research on various government and private sector entities and report on suggested improvements in preparing for an emergency. The program prepares graduates to work in a variety of homeland security and emergency preparedness capacities such as land borders, seaports and airports, threat assessment, disaster management, and crisis response planning and management. The goal of the program is to develop both the critical acumen and theoretical outcomes before, during, and after emergencies. Graduates will develop the ability to write emergency plans, implement and manage emergency plans, and assist decision makers on recovery issues.

The BS-HSEM program is designed for students who aspire to work in the security, business continuity and disaster management fields in the public sector (city, state or federal governments), non profit organizations and private industry. It is also appropriate for military personnel of all ranks, mid-level managers, and managers seeking promotion within the various levels of government and private industry.

The BS-HSEM program is composed of eleven core courses and five electives offered in accelerated one-month onsite and online formats. As an introduction, students are offered a broad overview of security management, current issues in homeland security, and the culture and politics of terrorists. The remaining five courses expose the student to direct man,agement strategies for preparing for emergencies and responding to disasters including related ethical issues. Together these courses provide a theoretical and practical foundation for managing security issues and addressing emergencies.

Bachelor of Science Homeland Security and Emergency Management /Master of Public Administration (BS-HSEM/MPA) Transition Program

Students who are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program and have at least a GPA of 3.0 and are within six courses of graduation, may register for the BS-HSEM/MPA transition program by asking their admission advisor to submit a plan change into the transition program and by taking two MPA classes as electives during the BS-HSEM program. To be eligible, students must apply for and begin the MPA program within six months of completing their BS-HSEM program. Students may choose up to two of the graduate-level public administration courses with the exception of PAD 631 and PAD 644.

For students in the BS-HSEM/MPA transition program, the University will waive two graduate-level public administration courses taken as part of the bachelor's degree, but these students must still meet the residency requirements for the MPA.

Students who are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program and have at least a GPA of 3.0 and are within six courses of graduation, may register for the BS-HSEM/MS-HSEM transition program by asking their admission advisor to submit a plan change into the transition program and by taking two MS-HSEM classes as electives during the BS-HSEM program. To be eligible, stud,ents must apply for and begin the MS-HSEM program within six months of completing their BS-HSEM program. Students may choose up to two of the graduate-level HSSE courses with the exception of SSE 610A or a course that has unfulfilled prerequisite.

For students in the BS-HSEM/MS-HSEM transition program, the University will waive two graduate-level HSEM courses taken as part of the bachelor's degree, but these students must still meet the residency requirements for the MS-HSEM.

Supervised Senior Project Information:

The Supervised Senior Project is designed to be a comprehensive project. Therefore, students should schedule DSM 490 toward the end of their degree program. The minimum requirements are the completion of at least 27 quarter units of the major requirements in the DSM program.

To complete the project satisfactorily, students apply extensive effort in research and writing over a period of two months. Due to the time and effort required for this project, it is recommended that students dedicate themselves to the completion of this project without academic distraction.

Students who do not complete the Supervised Senior Project within the two-month period are eligible, at the discretion of the instructor, to receive a grade of “IP” which allows 12 months from the start date of the class for the student to complete. Students who do not complete the project by the end of the specified time period will need to retake DSM 490. No grade of “I” (Incomplete) can be given for this course.

Apply analytical skills in approaching ethical dilemmas and implications of technology and other areas faced in government and private industry.

Describe the political and religious implications of the terrorist climate.

Describe and analyze the role groups and teams have in organizations as they relate to addressing homeland security and emergency management issues.

Describe the roles local, state and federal government agencies have in addressing homeland security and emergency management issues.

Develop written, oral communication and critical thinking skills.

Requirements

To earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, students must complete at least 180 quarter units as described below. 76.5 quarter units must be completed at the upper division level and 45 must be completed in residence at National University. In the absence of transfer credit, students may need to take additional general electives to satisfy the total units for the degree. Students should refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information on admission and evaluation.